YouTube Partner Program (YPP) Changes Monetization Requirements

YouTube has taken measures to tighten the rules around its partner program, and raised the requirements that a channel/creator must meet in order to monetize videos. Effective immediately, creators, in order to apply for monetization, must have at least 1,000 subs and 4,000 watch hours. All of this will take effect as of February 20th. Already, channels are being met with emails saying they are “no longer eligible for monetization” because they don’t meet the new threshold.

The Youtube Partner Program (YPP) previously required 10,000 public views, without any viewing hours specification, to reach monetization. Though the new rules will make it more difficult for smaller channels to monetize, YouTube says it’s an important step to make certain that channels “ensure they comply with our policies.”

Announcing the changes in a blog post, YouTube’s new policy seeks to directly combat advertiser’s worries about their ads running alongside videos that are not in compliance with YouTube’s policies. Additionally, the move reflects YouTube’s push to identify “creators who contribute positively to the community and help drive more ad revenue to them (and away from bad actors).” With these new requirements, it seems the platform will be better for YouTubers and community members.